Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    January 20, 1975

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Mark Anthony Smith, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of 20 January 1975 while serving aboard U.S.C.G.C. ANVIL (WLIC-642) when he rescued a drowning man from the surging tide waters in Miami Harbor at Meloy Channel Bridge, Miami, Florida. While working on the bridge of the ship, Seaman Smith observed the man splashing in the water just north of the bridge and hastily proceeded up the sea wall of Causeway Island to investigate. Hearing the victim’s cries for help, Seaman Smith quickly evaluated the drowning man’s dilemma and determined a means of rescue of the foundering man. Due to the swift running tide and long swim, Seaman Smith realized he would need assistance in saving the victim. Hastily returning to the ship, he seized a life ring, and with his shipmates following closely, returned to the distress scene and dived into the water. Swimming as rapidly as he could while towing the life ring, Seaman Smith kept his eyes steadily on the victim who was in a state of panic and had disappeared and resurfaced several times. Within minutes he arrived at the victim’s side and cautiously extended the life ring, staying clear of the man’s frantic grasping. When the man had calmed sufficiently, Seaman Smith moved closer and assisted in placing the life ring over the victim’s head and under his arms. Throughout the water rescue, Seaman Smith talked with the victim, reassuring and relaxing him, while waiting for assistance. Shortly thereafter, a Coast Guard rescue boat arrived on scene and both men, completely exhausted, were pulled from the water and ferried to safety. Seaman Smith demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger throughout the rescue. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty were instrumental in saving a life and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.